Arman, Arsen, and Askhat have been competing with each other since childhood—over everything from toys to their parents' attention. Over time, nothing has changed. Every year, when they return to their hometown to celebrate their father Duman’s birthday, they resume their rivalry, boasting about their achievements and trying to one-up each other. Askhat sincerely hopes that this time will be different, and even promises his wife Saule that he won’t react to his brothers’ jabs. However, his hopes are dashed when Arman and Arsen drag him into yet another battle for the title of “Best Son.”
The father of the family, Nursultan Kopzhasarovich, respected in society, owns the entire farm in the village, so his only son Bolat grows up careless and spoiled, which more than once leads to problems and even criminal liability. At another drinking party, Bolat rapes a local school graduate. The father wanted to hush up the matter again, but the girl’s parents had already filed a statement with the police. The only way out of this situation is a wedding, but the life of the family turns into a real nightmare.
The story is about three old men living in a quiet village. This village seems to be lost in time. The grandfathers, who were once friends but became rivals because of their love for one woman, now spend their days sitting on a bench under a tree.
Karasai's parent Altynai prepares his son for subsequent participation in battles from an early age, teaching the boy various martial arts and skills. The boy willingly listens to his father's recommendations, and already in childhood he confidently uses a whip and a sword. When Karasai turns into an adult youth, a period of famine sets in, from which the relatives of the young man suffer. The guy leads the herds of his fellow tribesmen to fertile arable land, and soon aggressive Dzungars attack the lands of his people.
Timur pretends to be his friend's fiancé in order to save her from her father's wrath.
